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Digitized by the Internet Archive 
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http://www.archive.org/details/lifesvagariesOObern 



LIFE'S VAGARIES 



LIFE'S VAGARIES 



BY 

BEATRICE B. BERNHEIM 

Author of ^^Impressions'' and 
*^^ America's Great Northnjoesf* 



JAQUES & COMPANY 

116 EAST 4 1st street 
NEW YORK 




COPYRIGHTED, 1920, BY 
BEATRICE B. BERNHEIM 



MAR 18 1921 



CU612072 



J- 



DEDICATION 

To my Mother who taught me the love of all 

That was beautiful and best in nature, 
To appreciate art in the highest degree, 

To be kind to every creature,' 
To stimulate every good desire. 

But stifle the false and untrue. 
To be satisfied with life just as it is ; 

And cheerfully its duties do. 



CONTENTS 

The Awakening 11 

Life 12 

The Widow and the Hen 13 

Autumn Tints 14 

Be Merry 16 

The Fox and the Grapes 17 

In Memoriam 18 

The Story of the Canary 19 

Indian Summer 21 

The Hen and the Cat 22 

Changes 23 

A Woman's Game of Bridge .... 24 

An Ode to a Rose 25 

Misty Autumn Day in the Berkshires ... 26 

In Memoriam 27 

The Rivers and the Sea 28 

Golf 29 

Easter 30 

Spring in Dixie 31 

A Fable 33 

In Memoriam 35 

The Mice in Council 36 

Upon Receipt of Orange Blossoms ... 37 

Written on the Death of a Friend's Mother . 38 



The Squirrel 39 

A Jersey Farmer 40 

An Ode to the New Year . , . . . 41 

The Other Side of Life 42 

Lights of Jersey 43 

To Two Devoted Sons 44 

For Others 45 

To a Bachelor 46 

Song of Spring 47 

Moosehead Lake 48 

Mt. Kineo 49 

In Maine Woods 51 

A Cottage on the Shore 53 

To a Busy Man 55 

A Fable 56 

Riches 57 

In Memoriam 58 

The Land of Mystery 59 

Billy-Boy 60 

Halftitle 63 

The Three Calls 65 

A Prayer 66 

The Man of the Hour 67 

Reason in Rhyme 68 

Food for the Huns 70 

Thanksgiving 71 

Somewhere in France 73 

The Doctor 76 



Lieutenant Howard Arnold 77 

An Enemy 78 

The Modern Housewife's Trials . . . . 79 

The Noblest of Them All 81 

Rejuvenated France 82 

God Grant Peace 83 

To the Twenty-Seventh 86 

De Color'd Boys Return 88 

The Raggedest Man in Montenegro ... 90 

Halftitle 93 

Good-Bye 95 

North Shore, Massachusetts .... 97 

Poland Springs ....... 100 

Profile House 101 

Lake Sunapee 102 

Fishing Trip Deferred by Rain .... 103 

Green Mountains 104 

After Rain — Sunshine 106 

The Mohawk Trail 107 

Connecticut River Valley 109 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

Green Mountains Frontispiece 

Spring in Dixie ^^ X 

Indian Chief 73^ 

The Raggedest Man in Montenegro . . . 90-^ 



THE AWAKENING 



THE AWAKENING. 

Out of the black and leafless tree, 
Come the soft downy buds of spring, 

Freed from the tiny hard cold egg. 
Soar the warblers of the wing. 

From out the dark and stagnant pool, 

The water lily peeps. 
Within the plain and graceless form 

A glorious mind oft sleeps. 



I" 



LIFE 

LIFE 

How beautiful is life 

With its sunshine and flowers and love, 
When we Ve basked and culled and lived 

We'll return to our God above. 

We would fain remain here forever 
On this beautiful earth of ours. 

The flowers are nurtured by sunshine, 
Our souls must be tried by the Powers. 

Our thoughts, our words, our actions 

Will be noted and inscribed 
In the golden book, on the altar of love 

In the land of Paradise. 

Our dear ones are fast departing; 

We will visit them one and all 
When we hear the flutter of angel wings 

And the sound of the trumpet's call. 

Let us live and bloom and love 
While the time on earth is ours, 

For in one short day we have turned to clay 
And mingled our dust with the flowers. 

[12] 



THE WIDOW AND THE HEN 



THE WIDOW AND THE HEN. 

(from Aesop's Fables) 
A thrifty widow kept a hen 
Which gave an egg each day. 
'If double barley I will give 
She twice a day will lay.'' 
But truth to tell, this plan fell through, 
No eggs came forth at all. 
For fat and lazy the hen grew; 
''Figures lie!'' — the widow bawled. 



[13] 



AUTUMN TINTS 



"AUTUMN TINTS" 
{In the Berkshires) 

Kissed by Jack Frost's cool lips, 
Caressed by the cold north wind. 

The dawning light brings colors bright, 
These lovers leave behind. 

Each tree is beauteous in itself, 

When blended all together 
A panorama nature shows 

Of handiwork so clever. 

The green, the brown, the yellow, red 

Are clustered on the hills. 
The haystacks high, the sheaves in fields, 

While flowers the carpet fills. 

The falling leaves bring now to mind 

The winter days to come. 
They fall to make thick covering 

To keep our good earth warm. 

[14] 



AUTUMN TINTS 



The apples bending from the boughs 
Some red, some brown, some green, 

The distant hills enchantment lend — 
A veritable wonder dream. 

Hundreds of pumpkins yellow 

Are ripening on the ground. 
The cow-bells jingle on the way 

A merry tinkling sound. 

Wavy undulations of carpet. 
With borders of hedges rare; 

The colors entrance, bewilder 
A paradise is here. 

The seer and yellow leaf 

Brings thoughts of passing years. 
Youth's vanished now, while age creeps on. 

The falling leaves are tears. 

But even age has beauties, 

As Autumn tints now show. 
Youth's vigor passed — experience comes, 

Age radiant, stands aglow. 

[15] 



BE MERRY 



BE MERRY 

Always be merry as sunshine, dears, 

'Twill lighten your journey through life. 
Smiles are better than tears, dears, 

Bring laughter instead of hard strife. 
Cheer and contentment, gladness and mirth 

Will help win the battles of mortals on earth. 
Be merry as sunshine, happy as birds. 

Bright as the flowers, tender in words. 
Forgiving and modest, grateful and kind. 

Charitable to all: blest by mankind. 



[i6] 



THE FOX AND THE GRAPES 



"THE FOX AND THE GRAPES" 
{from Aesop's Fables) 

Soar not too high dear friends 

Or it may come to pass 
That things oft sought 

Be out of reach, 
And Hke the fox, alas! 

Who spied some grapes 
In vineyard green 

As longingly he looked on high 
To hide his disappointment, said 

"The grapes are sour; 
rU pass them by". 



[17] 



IN MEMORIAM 



IN MEMORIAM. 

A gentleman born, a friend to all, 

Quiet, unostentatious, kind, 
A loving heart, thoughts tender and true, 

A soul sincere, an honest mind. 
Solicitous of each and all. 

We shed our tears on this, his pall. 
His time on earth has passed; 

He has winged his flight to God. 
His deeds recorded on high 

Are examples to those he loved. 
His cares and pains have passed ; 

His soul is at peace with God. 
In memory he'll ever remain 

Although sleeping beneath the sod. 
A father and friend we'll ever hold dear. 
We shed our tears on this, his bier. 



[i8] 



THE STORY OF THE CANARY 



THE STORY OF THE CANARY. 

Dear little Dickie in a gilded cage 

Was singing his best, one day, 
When lo and behold! a surprise was in store 

A mate was brought — both lovely and gay. 
She hopped right in when the door was ajar, 

And they greeted each other with news from 
afar. 
They twittered and chirped and friendly became 

Until with love their eyes were aflame. 
A nest was built on the side of the cage 

And a deep little hole in the centre made. 
The very next day, as strange as true, 

A dear little egg of a rare blue hue 
Was quietly placed in the nest. 

And for four days more little mother didn't 
rest. 
Father bird worked hard each seed to crack, 

And surprisingly quick, with his wonderful 
knack. 



[19] 



THE STORY OF THE CANARY 

He powdered it fine and solemnly said: 

*'While the eggs are hatching you must stay 
in bed 
To keep them all quite warm, 

So to babies will come no harm." 
If, mother dear, the seed you should crush 

Too much time you'd consume. 
From your nest you must rush. 

After twelve long days the babies arrived 
Just like little worms — yet they all survived. 
At the break of day you could hear 'Teep! 
Peep!" 
And their mouths opened wide for something 
to eat. 
A week then passed before they could see; 
Their eyes parted now, their wings spread with 
glee. 
Bright feathers came next and then one and 
all 
Appeared just like a soft yellow ball. 
Mother and father tended and fed 
The dear little birdies until out of bed. 

They flew one morn and chirped with glee. 
*Teep! Peep!" they said, ''We're happy! we're 
free!" 

[20] 



INDIAN SUMMER 



INDIAN SUMMER 

When the buds of spring and the flowers of 

summer have passed, 
When the katydid and locust are heard again 

o'er land 
When Indian summer greets us with her hazy 

soft blue eye 
The stalks in field are withered, and autumn 

tints before us do expand. 
While grasshopper and cricket are dancing all 

the day, 
While frogs in pool give violin-like notes 
When butterfly has ceased to charm, and sleeps 

in downy pouch. 
The leaves have formed a carpet, the birds have 

changed their coats. 



We too feel tired, listless, our energy has gone 
We're longing for the cooler days when 
Jack Frost appears at dawn. 

[21] 



THE HEN AND THE CAT 



"THE HEN AND THE CAT" 
(from Aesop's Fables) 
A hen quite sick in her nest lay resting, 

When Pussy came that way, 
She begged her to tell her her wants. 

And how she felt that day. 
The hen quite candidly confessed 
If Pussy'd leave she'd feel the best. 

MORAL 
Uninvited — remain at home. 
Unbidden guests are never welcome. 



[22] 



CHANGES 



CHANGES 

In spring the daisies are white 

Greeting the earth so fair. 
Autumn turns them purple — 

Knowing winter '11 soon be here 

Don't mourn for the things that have past 

They'll never return again. 
But other joys will be given to us 

To soothe our griefs, assuage our pain. 



[23] 



A WOMAN'S GAME OF BRIDGE 



"A WOMAN'S GAME OF BRIDGE" 

They meet — their handshake is sincere 

Their greeting's sweet, their heads quite clear; 

They're seated and begin to play. 

They chat and bid, — and throw their hands 
away. 

Life is a game of bridge, 

Each blames the other for his own mistakes. 
Our gains we count — our pride expands 

Until at last we see our faults too late. 



|24l 



AN ODE TO A ROSE 



AN ODE TO A ROSE. 

Beautiful rose, velvety rose, 

Your petals are crushed, so now repose 
Perfect you were only yesterday 

Stately and proud, charming and gay, 
Plucked by a woman to adorn her breast 

All is vanity — you'll confess. 



[25] 



MISTY AUTUMN DAY IN THE BERKSHIRES 



"MISTY AUTUMN DAY IN THE 
BERKSHIRES" 

The clouds hang low, the mist is on the hills. 

Even our thoughts are sad. 
The trees have turned; their leaves are many 
hues. 

No song birds warble glad. 

Winter is coming with his ice and snow. 

The fields be barren soon. 
The sap returns to earth, who in her turn 

Gives it in spring again. 

Nothing is lost in nature. 

The immortal idea lies here. 
Apparent death is only sleep. 

Spring's awakening's clear. 



[26] 



IN MEMORIAM 



IN MEMORIAM 

Our dear good friend has passed away, 

But his spirit still remains. 
His soul has flown to God above — 

We bow as He ordains. 

A husband true, a father kind. 

Beloved by one and all 
As modest as the violets 

We place upon his pall. 

Upright and honest in his daily tasks, 
Detesting those who wore the mask 

Of hypocrisy or deceit 

His words were cheer: his smile was sweet. 

Sleep well, in peace; your pain has passed. 
Your well earned rest youVe gained at last. 



[27] 



THE RIVERS AND THE SEA 



THE RIVERS AND THE SEA 
{from Aesop's Fables) 

The Rivers one day angry grew 

And said unto the Sea, 
''Why is it that 'though fresh we are 

We salt become in thee?" 

''Dear Httle Rivers," Sea now said 

"If fresh you would remain 
Steer clear of me and nevermore come near, 

When swelled by rain." 



MORAL 

Those most benefitted are often the first to 
complain 
So remember the story of the Sea and the 
Rivers that spoke with disdain. 



[28] 



GOLF 



GOLF 

We start with eager energy 

To make our tiny tee, 
We lift our club, — then whack! a hit! 

But ne'er a drive make we. 

Our spirits to an ebb now go. 

But fast we walk to see 
If our next stroke will raise our hopes 

To final victory. 

A game of ups and downs. 

As life — the wisest of us think, 

One day on top — before the next 
We're far below the brink. 

What'er our lot in life may be. 
We must meet it with a smile. 

Just brace ourselves and go ahead, 
Things will brighten in a while. 

[29] 



EASTER 

EASTER 
The spring with its gladness, the flowers with 
their dew, 
The birds in the branches all beckon to you. 
Eastertide ever welcome to one and to all, 
For the world would most gladly throw off 
winter's pall. 
'Tis the time for the birdies to feather their 
nests ; 
'Tis the time for the lovers to mate. 
For the air is now fragrant with blossoms and 
buds ; 
Just the time to make true love complete. 
Now when Earth's change begins is the time to 
reflect 
And consider the spring passes soon. 
Then the summer will come with its heat and 
its sun, 
And the winter time too with pale moon. 
We must so live our lives, tho' the seasons may 
change 
Our hearts will remain true and tender. 
All worldliness fade from our history's page 
And Good Will remain with us forever. 

[30] 



SPRING IN DIXIE 



SPRING IN DIXIE. 

The trees are various shades of green, 
The wild flowers everywhere, 

The grass a velvety softness shows 
Sweet spring is in the air. 

Ole Sambo plows his great corn-field. 
And makes the furrows deep. 

Then soon old Sol will bring the sproutsj 
And the corn from silk will peep. 

The pine trees tall and stately stand. 

The roses blossom too, 
The honeysuckle creeps and climbs. 

The cock says ^'doodle do". 

How proudly stands the barnyard king. 

For wifey comes this way. 
And brings along her straggling chicks, 

WhoVe been hatching day by day. 

Ole Sally has her wash-lines out. 

Her laundry white as snow. 
The pickaninnies dance and sing, 

The pigeons cooing low. 

[31] 



SPRING IN DIXIE 



A pretty lesson springtime shows, 
We should bright and happy be, 

For after winter's ice and snow. 
Comes warmth, new life and glee. 



[32] 



A FABLE 



A FABLE 

{from Aesop's Fables) 

Jupiter, Neptune, Minerva and Momus 

Chanced one day to meet. 
They decided to vie with each other 

A perfect thing to create. 
Momus was selected to be the judge 

(From Olympus he'd not been thrust out) 
Jupiter formed man, Neptune a hull. 

Minerva a beautiful house. 
Man was not perfect Momus said. 

Because his breast was devoid of eyes 
The inmost thoughts of others to see> 

Man should know the truth from lies. 
The bull was not perfect because his horns 

Were placed quite above his eyes 
His aim was bad for he could not see, 

So must turn from side to side. 
The house was not right because in construction 

No wheels upon it were planned 
From unpleasant neighbors far to remove 

To a more congenial land. 

[33] 



A FABLE 



''Harsh critic", Jupiter cried (as from Heaven 
he threw him) 

''A faultfinder can never be pleased. 
Condemn you may, when something you've done 

Better than others succeed." 



[34] 



IN MEMORIAM 



IN MEMORIAM. 

A soldier proud in the battle of life 

Always calm and serene. 
Never a murmur escaped his lips 

When in agony or in pain. 

His courage undaunted, his spirit steadfast, 

His love — yea unsurpassed, 
A true staunch friend, his spirit has fled 

Yet his memory will ever last. 

Great God above, whom we all love 

Give entrance to his spirit 
And judge him now as he should be 

According to his merit. 



[35] 



THE MICE IN COUNCIL 



THE MICE IN COUNCIL, 

(from Aesop's Fables) 

Some mice were standing 'round one day 

Proposing many plans 
Whereby to rid themselves of cat 

Who seemed ever near at hand. 
A young mouse ventured this to say, 

'Xet's bell the cat, dear friends. 
For then w^e can make our escape 

When her tinkling sound she lends/' 
Oh joy! Oh joy! cried one and all 

But some old mouse hard by 
Said, ''Friends, v^hich one v^ill bell the cat? 

Fm sure not you or I/' 

MORAL 

The proposition may sound plausible. 
The execution oft' impossible. 

[36] 



UPON RECEIPT OF ORANGE BLOSSOMS 
FROM PASADENA 



UPON RECEIPT OF ORANGE BLOSSOMS 
FROM PASADENA 

I 9 I 8 . 

A sweet breath of orange flowers was wafted to 
me 
From a far away land in the west. 
It brought with it gladness and odors of spring, 
And greetings from one who 'mongst all 
friends is best. 

I thank you dear friend for your kind thought 
of me 
To the recipient youVe given much joy. 
There's nothing like blossoms and flowers and 
fruit, 
Like true friends they too lack alloy. 



[37] 



LINES WRITTEN ON THE DEATH OF A 
FRIEND'S MOTHER 



UNES WRITTEN ON THE DEATH OF A 
FRIEND'S MOTHER. 

A mother's hand is clasped no more. 

A mother's smile is gone. 
A love which has endured through years 

A memory — yea, lifelong. 
A Heavenly Father dwells on high 

To Him her flight is taken. 
Her pains are past: in peace she sleeps 

An angel she'll awaken. 



[38] 



THE SQUIRREL 



THE SQUIRREL. 

Frisky little bunny with the bushy tail 

Bound in white and spread like a sail 
His glistening eyes like jewels shining 

From limb to limb he's quickly climbing 
Until at last with sprightly bound 

He gains the shed, and without a sound 
Is perched at casement on his hind-legs, 

For nuts or sugar now he begs. 
If no one sees him when he passes 

He scratches hard on the window glasses 
When fed and talked to for a while 

He bounds away with a happy smile 
Thankful for each favor small, 

Assuring us of another call. 



[39] 



A JERSEY FARMER 



A JERSEY FARMER. 

A ray of sunshine midst the flowers 

Blooming and sweet as they; 
Although three score and ten have passed 

She's young at heart today. 

Her farm with fruit and shrubs and plants 

Is her interest and delight; 
Her happy mien, and cheerful ways 

Will stay with her 'till night. 

Her quilt shows us her flowers rare 

In garden and around 
Her pictures formed of strands of silk 

In beauty do abound. 

See doggie standing on the porch 

He wags his tail to all. 
We wonder what this house will do 

When she has had her call. 

The butterflies flit all day long 

And sip the honey dew ; 
The cricket chirps upon the hearth; 

Tabby, the cat, doth purr and mew. 

[40] 



AN ODE TO THE NEW YEAR 



AN ODE TO THE NEW YEAR 

Old year, we ring you out with cheer 

With laughter and with joy 
We cast you ofif without a tear 

And greet your Uttle boy. 

A babe in swaddling clothes to-night 

Just come into this sphere 
When half -grown youth he wanders forth 

June roses will appear. 

A year from now we'll cast him out 

With hilarity and row 
Welcoming the grandchild dear 

Of this old year dead now. 

And so the years do come and go 

One nail drives out another 
Joyous mirth — regretful tears 

Sit side by side together. 

Our tasks are huge — our time is short 
The hour-glass sands are falling. 

Bravely, proudly forge ahead 
Whatever be your calling. 

[41] 



THE OTHER SIDE OF LIFE 



THE OTHER SIDE OF UFE 

We who sit in our cozy corners 

And lounge in our easy chairs 
Forget the plight of the ragged, 

And the wail of those in despair. 

We sit propped up in our motor cars, 
With our rugs and our cushions warm. 

But give no thought to the waifs in the street 
Whose lives we could shield from harm. 

Make it a rule, dear friends, 

To call out once in a while: 
*'Come in, my lad or my lassie, 

I'll give you a bit of a ride." 

The grateful look, the happy smile 

We are given in return 
Will be enough compensation — 

Our hearts with joy will burn! 

• [42] 



LIGHTS OF JERSEY 



LIGHTS OF JERSEY 

Looking with brilliant eyes 

Across the Hudson River 
Into the city's byways and streets, 

Into the parks and gardens 
Trying to pierce through crime and deceit 

With which these places are laden! 



The soft pink glow of sunset 

Forms a valance in the west, 
Beneath which thousands of eyes still glisten 

Hoping to see the best 
That mankind is ever giving. 

Charity, Faith and Love 
Soon the Heavenly lights will be gleaming, 

God's stars will be shining above. 



[43] 



TO TWO DEVOTED SONS 



TO TWO DEVOTED SONS 

YouVe done your duty, lads, 
Two sons both good and true, 

So dry your tears, and be not sad. 
Your work is calling you. 

Your mother's love you e'er possessed. 

She's with you even now. 
In spirit watching over you, 

To God's will you must bow. 

Her pure, sweet spirit soars above 

With winged seraphs glad ; 
Her earthly sufferings now have passed. 

So why should you be sad? 



[44] 



FOR OTHERS 



FOR OTHERS. 

What is life really worth, dear friends, 
If we give no pleasure to others? 

Selfishness is a cardinal sin; 
Try to be sisters and brothers. 

In this great, cold world of ours 
When the snows of winter lie deep. 

While the icicles hang from the trees 
And even the snow birds sleep, 

Put new warmth into the hearts 

Of those whose purse strings are small; 

Foster kind words and deeds. 
Try to bring cheer to all. 

The joy we see in their happy faces 

Brings joy to us in return. 
This work-a-day world would be sad indeed 

If we'd not this lesson learn. 



[45] 



TO A BACHELOR 



TO A BACHELOR. 

We're giving you this set of ''Clubs" 
For which did ''Diamonds'' pay. 

And truly hope the "Jack of Spades" 
Finds "Queen of Hearts" some day. 

"The deuce !" we hear. "I never shall !" 

But ''ten to one" you will, 
And though it will be aye or nay, 

We'll hold your friendship still. 

A birthday greeting now we bring ; 

Good luck! long life! and joy! 
A few years hence we hope our gift 

Will be some tiny toy. 



[46] 



SONG OF SPRING 



SONG OF SPRING. 

Spring has come with its soft green leaves, 
Its blossoms and buds and blooms; 

Its trees like lace in their airy grace; 
Have cast away their gloom. 

Each blade of grass is a messenger 

Which softly to us sings: 
''We'll sleep no more — our rest is o'er; 

Earth's beauty now we bring." 

How lovely is this wondrous world 
With buds and blossoms fair. 

Our hearts aglow — we'll know no woe, 
Sweet spring is in the air. 

The dandelions show us now 

Their saucy yellow heads, 
The crocus and narcissus smile 

In violets purple beds. 

The pansy says : *'I am heartsease ;" 

The daisy: "See I'm fair!" 
Sweet buttercups and daffodils 

Cry "Spring is in the air!" 

[47] 



MOOSEHEAD LAKE 



MOOSEHEAD LAKE. 

Soft water lapping on the rocky shore 
Surrounding hills green velvet seem, 

Mountains in distance silhouettes 
A quiet spot wherein to dream, 

Far, far away from haunts of man 

Away from care and strife, 
We hope and love and dream again 

Adding zest to life. 

The silver birches on the shore 
The flowered grasses there, 

A bit of water smiling through 
Show Corot everywhere. 

A STORM ON THE LAKE. 
Heavy storm clouds gathering o'er, 

The hills are black as night. 
The lake a great disturbance shows, 

Afar the shore looks silver white 

The wind is high amongst the trees 
The Erl King sings his song. 

The birds are hiding in their nests 
The rain comes pouring down. 

[48] 



MT. KINEO 



Mt. K I N E O . 

Speak to me mountain old and grey, 

Gazing on lake below, 
Sheltering cedars on thy sides 

Sky in west aglow, 
With silver rays of sunlight 

And peace and quiet nigh, 
Tell me how many centuries 

Watched you mount up so high? 
Layer upon layer, strata upon strata, 

I've piled throughout the years; 
And now to reach my lofty top 

They oft shed bitter tears. 
To make the roadway by the lake 

They've cut my limbs in twain. 
While oft in my small caves in sides 

They seek shelter from the rain. 
Far up you see a tiny cot 

Which houses a young pair 
Sent here by our good government 

To protect the forests dear, 

[49] 



MT. KINEO 



From raging fires hereabouts 

By signalling the patrol. 
From heights like mine, 

They far and wide, 
Save many a human soul, 

So never for a moment think 
I was planned up here for naught. 

Although a great stone mountain 
My life with work is fraught. 

The birds and bunnies love me well 
Deer, porcupine, do on me dwell; 

But crowning all aforesaid glory 
Is wondrous view from summit hoary. 



[50] 



IN MAINE WOODS 



IN MAINE WOODS. 

Winding lakes and streams marking our course, 

Yellow water lilies slyly peeping forth ; 
Wild roses and mountain-laurel bordering the 
way, 

Nature entrances with coloring gay. 
Masses of fern hardy and green, 

Buttercups and Indian-brush in profusion is 
seen 
Carpets of strawberry -blossoms white 

Daisies and fleur-de-lis ever in sight. 
Gazing on timber, tall, gaunt, and grey 

Standing so leafless and bare 
Singed by the fires and smoke of the forests 

As the thick woodlands of cedars we near. 
The lumberman's hut comes to view in the clear- 
ing 

With children and doggie prancing around 
Great logs of timber chained lightly together 

Ready to float with the tide ever down. 
Crude is the life of these trappers and hunters 

Bronzed by the wind, manly and strong, 

[51] 



IN MAINE WOODS 



Happy and hardy, fighting life's battle, 
Early to bed, and arise with a song. 

Subsisting on food provided by nature 
Frugal and spare their meal may oft be 

Contentment and happiness hovers about them 
Here in God's country they're zealous and 
free. 



[52] 



A COTTAGE ON THE SHORE 



A COTTAGE ON THE SHORE. 

All is hushed save the ocean's roar 

And the sound of the wind as it floats through 
the pines 
When suddenly through the air is heard 

The warblers' notes which thrill mankind. 

The odor of honey-suckle clusters about 

The porches shady and wide 
Sweet-pea and lily scents fill the air 

Roses are blooming far and wide. 
Banked 'gainst the hedge, in this garden fair 

Are phlox both pink and white 
Petunias of every shade and hue 

Nasturtiums dark-yellow and light. 
Forming a background against the trees 

Is golden-glow, slender and tall, 
Zinnias 'en masse', with coloring rare 

Gladiolas — then lady-slippers small. 
Great tubs of hydrangia ranged in a row 

A glorious effect to give. 
Forming a bed round the fountain quite 

Dainty pink begonias thrive and live. 

[53] 



A COTTAGE ON THE SHORE 



When summer's sun streams hottest 

In this wondrous garden fair 
Robins, sparrows, and meadow-larks 

Gather in numbers there. 

To bathe in the fountain and moisten their throats 

Giving forth their carols gay, 
At twilight time — when all is still 

The bunnies come forth to play. 

They sit so saucily and eat the grass 

Pricking their graceful ears 
In memory will live this garden fair 

Not for weeks, nor months — but years! 



f54l 



TO A BUSY MAN 



TO A BUSY MAN. 

**A11 work and no play makes Jack a dull boy' 

Is what the sages tell 
Love work, my lad, but take some rest 

Else you may not be well. 

The trees, the plants, the shrubs 

All earn their yearly rest 
When winter comes, God's creatures sleep 

And lose their zest. 

Ambition is quite laudable 

When practiced with some reason 

Both work and play must have their sway 
But each in its due season. 

Life is quite short at best — I say 
Don't fail to take some pleasure 

You're in your prime — take heed, my boy 
And e'en though stormy weather 

Quite happily go forth through life. 

Enjoying all you can 
A blink, a breath and all is o'er 

From earth to heaven is but a span. 

[55] 



A FABLE 



A FABLE 

A patriarch once dying when old age had seized 
him 

Called his children and grand-children near 
All sadness possessed this group of young people 

Grand-papa's wishes to hear. 

Dear ones, said he, you know how I love you 
And long for your welfare in life 

I wish you many troubles — don't stare at me so 
For I will explain, in a trice. 

One trouble oft causes a nervous breakdown 
But many will ease your fair brows from their 
frowns. 



[56] 



RICHES 



RICHES 
In what does riches consist — I would ask? 

In what we accumulate of wordly greed? 
Truly not. Our riches here 

Are what we give to those in need 
High or lowly, rich or poor, 

Are brothers at last when Ufe flits by. 
Why hoard our wealth with a tightened grasp 

Lets share our bounty — without a sigh 
Haughty and humble, proud and meek, 

Are mingled together when in dust they sleep. 
The portals ope' wide in Heaven for all 

Who do their duty — great or small 
There's no distinction in that abode 

Right or wrong is Its only code. 



[57] 



IN MEMORIAM 



IN MEMORIAM. 

Step softly, speak gently, 

A beautiful life has sped 
Charm and sweetness she possessed 

Now she's numbered with the dead. 

Only the body is no more 
Her soul lives on in Heaven 

Bereaved ones must contented be 
God has taken what He has given. 

^'Blessed be His glorious name" 
In our daily prayers, we say 

Beloved you'll meet in paradise 
Bravely bear until that day. 



[58] 



THE LAND OF MYSTERY 



THE LAND OF MYSTERY. 

The flowers are blooming, the birds are singing 

Outside the world seems gay 
The heart is sad with memories 

And dreams of other days. 

Life's mysteries are many 

Fate holds us in her hand 
In retrospect our histories 

Are too queer to understand. 

We plod and strive from natal day 

Until the very end 
Attaining ne'er the goal we seek 

Though bravely we contend. 

^'Resigned to Fate's decree," say we 

As we drift again to sea 
Hoping some day for sight of sail 

From the Land of Mystery. 

[59] 



BILLY-BOY 



"BIIvLY-BOY" 

'Twas in the year of nineteen thirteen 

On a beautiful sunny day, 
When ''hubby'' and I strolled along, 

Neither minding the time nor way. 
We chanced to pass a window 

Of a tiny little shop, 
And in it we saw some ''beauties'* 

Which made us gaze — and stop. 
We lingered and played with the doggies 

There were four in all — you see. 
One was "Freckles'', another "Billy Burke", 

Dear Heart — but "Billy Boy" for me. 
He wagged his tail and blinked his eye. 

Never stopping hypnotizing me ; 
So the bargain was made, and the price was paid 

And the doggie came home with me. 
Our trials began as well as our joys. 

And friends would say to me 
"Too well off, buy a dog". 

But even this did not phase me. 



[60] 



BILLY-BOY 



We taught him nice ways, and before many days 

A wonderful pet had we 
Who played with a ball, a cat, and us all 

And our leisure time was all glee. 
We took him to the farm where the alligators 
grow 

And the parrot called out from his cage 
"Hello". 
The old gray wolf was the only one rude, 

He barked and barked and would have pursued 
Had he not been fettered in an iron cage. 

Which kept him from harm — although in a 
rage. 
Since then he has traveled miles upon miles. 

Through cities and hamlets and towns, 
With always his dear little wag of the tail 

But never, oh never, a frown. 



[6i] 



WAR POEMS 



THE THREE CALLS 



THE THREE CALLS. 
Rev^ii.i.e: — Awakening. 

AsSEMBIvY. 

Forward March. 

Awake! awake! arise! arise! 

The break of day has come. 
Be ready, make a quick attire, 

Hear, hear the sound of horn ! 

The sound which calls to arms, 

Its notes thrill every sense. 
Your Captain's here, he views you all, 

Each eye has look intense. 

'Tall in!" "eyes right!" "front!" 

We hear the loud commands. 
"Right shoulder arms!" "inspection arms!" 

"Attention!" he demands. 

March ahead, your country calls. 

Leave your all for victory. 
Come what may, night or day 

Your watchword must be Liberty. 



[65] 



A PRAYER 



A PRAYER 

I'm knitting for a soldier 

In a land far, far away, 
May it bring him more than comfort 

And protection night and day. 

May it bring him peace and solace 
While the guns are roaring loud, 

And make him feel that some fair hand 
Of this soldier boy is proud. 

ril weave a charm with all my might 

Into these stitches small 
And send a prayer to bring him back 

Great God, don't let him fall! 



[66] 



THE MAN OF THE HOUR 



^THE MAN OF THE HOUR" 

Who is now the man of the hour? 

The idol of everyone's eye? 
The man with the logical brain? 

The man who despises a lie? 

We hear the same answering call. 

It's Wilson, It's Wilson, that's all. 
Who is it that befriends the oppressed 

And promises justice to all? 

Palestine and Armenia freed, 

Although Turkey be bitter as gall? 

We hear the same answering call. 
It's Wilson, It's Wilson, that's all. 

He wears not a great kingly crown, 
Which glistens on his manly brow. 

But ever so bright is his halo of light. 
He stands quite alert at the prow. 

Who will some day relieve Poland's thrall ? 
It's Wilson, It's Wilson, that's all. 

[67] ' 



REASON IN RHYME 



"REASON IN RHYME" 

You ask about our soldier boys, 

And should they wed before they go? 

My answer to this question is 
At once both Yes and No. 

This gives you no solution, 

I hear you now exclaim. 
So will hasten here to say a word 

My theory to explain. 

The lad who has a sweetheart. 
Whom the future need not worry 

Had best remain unmarried. 
And do nothing in a hurry. 

But the one who would consider 

Who the heir apparent be, 
Had best tie tight the nuptial knot, 

Ere he goes across the sea. 

[68] 



REASON IN RHYME 



For if perchance he don't come back 

To wifey over here, 
A baby like his very self 

May in due time appear. 
Eventually to be the heir 

Of honors, cross and wealth, 
Bring consolation to them all 

Beloved for his dear self. 



[69] 



FOOD FOR THE HUNS 



"FOOD FOR THE HUNS" 

Food for the Huns, food for the guns, 

The pride of our country, America's sons. 
Cheer the dear boys coming our way 

Crowded the transports sailing away. 
Line after line of khaki we see 

Going so proudly from "land of the free." 
Each one somebody's darling, I ween. 

The short and the tall, the stout and the lean. 
Food for the Huns, food for the guns. 

The pride of our country, America's sons. 

Let us hope, trust and pray 

That all may return ere many a day. 

Happy, hearty, experienced and honored. — 
The Huns being the food the Americans 
cornered. 



[70] 



THANKSGIVING 



THANKSGIVING 

SOLDIER BOYS 
SAILOR BOYS 

Welcome boys around this board, 

Welcome one and all, 
After grace to God is said 

Be at ease — enjoy it all. 

Think of home — give thanks to her 

Who bore you boys both brave and true. 

Do your best to make her proud 
Of gallant deeds that you shall do. 

Sailor boys — soldier boys 

Far from home and friends to-night, 
Make a vow to God above 

To muster strength and win this fight. 

Boys from west — boys from south, 

Boys from Yankee-land 
Let your hearts be true as steel, 

Hearken to commands. 



[71] 



THANKSGIVING 



March away when country calls. 

Yielding all for victory. 
Come what may, night or day 

Bravely fight for liberty. 

Brothers blue — brothers gray 
Marching side by side, 

Now unfurl the stars and stripes. 
Spangled banner be your guide. 



[72] 



,J^ 









/ 



c^^ 



t:: 






f 



■1 



,^ 



t.' 



:f^-.^ 



I'm sending you an ''Indian Chief" 
Which I have done for you. 



SOMEWHERE IN FRANCE 



^'SOMEWHERE IN FRANCE" 

Dear Foster Mother: 

IVe waited so long for a letter, 

Waited six months or more, 
WeVe looked and longed and pleaded 

Until our hearts grew sore. 
But to-day weVe been rewarded 

For our wait so long and dreary, 
Packages, letters delivered, — 

By gad, but now we're cheery! 
If our friends back home could only see 

The joy the boys are given. 
Yea, tears of joy in grown men's eyes 

Gives one a glimpse of Heaven. 
For my own share, I just received 

Eight packages at once. 
One hundred letters, — sixty-two 

From sister in a bunch ! 
You should 'ave seen the fine tall fellows 

In khaki and in blue. 
Mud-bedraggled fellows* 

Staring and crying too, — 

[73] 



SOMEWHERE IN FRANCE 



When the names were called out loudly, 

And each received his share, 
'Twas a sight one never could forget; 

We almost heard a prayer 
Of thanks for that small favor 

To the boys so far away; 
And far into the night 

And again into the day 
The packages were opened — 

Letters scanned, read and re-read. 
And then the news was all discussed. 

Before we turned to bed. 
Thanks, kind lady, for the knitted things 

The candy and cigarettes. 
The joy you gave with your dear kind lines 

Can assure you will linger yet. 
When this cruel war is over 

And peace will reign again, 
ril sit beside my home fire 

And oft chant that sweet refrain. 
I know you'll be pleased to hear 

Of the other stripe Fve won— 
I'm Sergeant instead of Corporal now, 

And hope to keep right on 

[74] 



SOMEWHERE IN FRANCE 



Climbing the ladder of honor and fame! 

Lieutenant may soon stand before my name. 
And then perchance a captaincy, — 

But that, Fm sure, is far away. 
I'm writing now by candle-light 

In a tin can on my knee. 
No ink have we, so pencils use, 

But they'll answer too, I say 
Without them none of us could draw 

As I have done to-day. 
I'm sending you an ^'Indian Chief" 

Which I have done for you. 
It brings to mind my Western home 

And all my dear ones too. 
I hope you'll keep this little token 

To plight our friendship dear, 
I trust and pray 'twill ne'er be broken 

But will endure through years. 
Now don't forget to write again 

We want our mail from home. 
We'll tramp — endure — and fight — 

But our tidings must come. 

Sergeant Swadburgh 
to The Author 



[75] 



THE DOCTOR 



"THE DOCTOR" 

Who doesn't wait to be drafted, 

Who's never too old to go 
Where the sick and wounded lay suffering 

Mid'st sorrowing hearts full of woe? 

'Tis the dear kind family doctor, 
Whom we all respect and love, 

His praise is sung by one and all, 
His cross will come from above. 

'Tis he who leaves his practice, 

His family and comforts all. 
To render a service ''overseas" 

And answer his country's call. 

When we hear the woeful tidings, 
That one from the ranks has gone. 

We would fain set up a monument 
Of marble or of stone. 

To the unselfish fellow 

Who has given his all — his best. 
To assuage pain ; to heal the wounds, — 

Forgetting even to rest. 

[76] 



LIEUTENANT HOWARD ARNOLD 



LIEUTENANT HOWARD ARNOLD 
In Memoriam 
Reared in the lap of luxury, 

Tended by parent's care, 
Schooled in America's famous Yale, 

Ready to do and dare ; 
Scorning to be a slacker. 

Braving the enemy's fire. 
Sailing away, this soldier boy 

Determining not to retire 
Until the Hun be vanquished 

And victory was the goal. 
But alas ! the fates had willed it 

That this manly human soul 
Should die as a hero martyr 

To right the wrongs of the world. 
May his soul rest in peace 

In that far away grave 
O'er which stars and stripes will be furled. 



\77\ 



AN ENEMY 



^^AN ENEMY'' 

There is a wireless plant concealed ; 

Go find it if you can. 
It flashes forth, both day and night, 

But ne'er reveals a plan. 

'Tis hidden well, you'll all agree 
And ne'er gets out of order. 

'Tis rheumatism in the knee 

Of Mother Eve's fair daughter. 

It flashes ''change of atmosphere" 

And warns her when the storm is near. 

She oft regrets that ''Uncle Sam" 
Can't let her be the wireless man. 

For with this one propensity 

To generate 'lectricity^ 
She'd signal quick to all the Huns 

"Stand back, beware of our guns 

We fire to kill for these things three — 
Liberty, Truth, Democracy!" 

[781 



THE MODERN HOUSEWIFE'S TRIALS 



"THE MODERN HOUSEWIFE'S TRIALS" 

She's not quite so ornamental as she used to be 
in past 
But she's braver and she's stronger quite by far. 
The change came gradually and I'm sure 'twill 
so remain, 
As long as trying war conditions last. 

She must turn her hand to everything and any- 
thing to-day, 

From making beds to playing nurse-girl too. 
The servant of to-day is not trainable at all, 

She merely wants ''her own sweet way''. 

They're given all the privileges and treated far 
too well. 
Their wages good, their accommodations neat 
But when we peer around and gaze into their 
bath. 
Our disgust and disappointment is complete. 



[79] 



THE MODERN HOUSEWIFE'S TRIALS 

On one side hangs a clothes-line filled with 
every kind of rag 
The floor rug sadly flung into a corner. 
Now when madam says a word of just reprimand, 
Tm sure, 
They quickly give a saucy pert rejoinder. 

Our Government requests our utmost saving now, 
And we in turn do feel in honor bound, 

To accept the rationing and thereby win the war 
For Uncle Sammie's reasoning is sound. 

They flare up in a rage when their waste is 
criticized 
We won't mention all they carry out so low. 
When eventually they find that their actions are 
found out. 
They give ''notice'' quickly pack their things 
and go 

The office has our money, what care they ? 
We will have to come again another fee 
to pay. 



[80] 



THE NOBLEST OF THEM ALL 

"THE NOBLEST OF THEM ALL" 

IVe sat and pondered on this ''War of Nations" 

And asked myself again, and yet again, 
Which amongst mortals has been the truest hero 

Who's services the greatest aid to man. 
When time has healed the wounds 

Past scores well nigh forgotten. 
The hatchet buried with its bloody gore. 

We'll gaze into her face and filled with rapture. 
Answer — *Tis she whom all alike adore. 

The woman who, as modest as the violet 
Has daily made her way to hospital. 

To minister to sick and suffering; 
To wash and cleanse and kindly comfort all. 

When nurses were impossible to find 
And fear had siezed all in its mighty grasp, 

When epidemic raged as ne'er before. 
She was the ministering angel — masked. 

Self utterly forgotten in her great desire 
To do her duty to her fellows here. 

We place a wreath of laurel on her brow. 
She's our greatest hero, humble and sincere. 

[8i] 



REJUVENATED FRANCE 



"REJUVENATED FRANCE" 

Who speaks of "Bleeding France''? 

Who strikes a note so sad? 
We look into the future, 

And sound the clarion glad. 
Cambria, Rheims, St. Quentin 

Are sadly ruined now, 
But soon we'll see new France arise, 

America at the prow. 
The antique works of art 

'Tis true we can't restore, 
But when these towns are cleared 

And Prussians seen no more. 
We'll see new France arise 

Old friends are good : 
New homes are best. 

We'll cast off the disguise. 
Of Napoleon, Louis, Renaissance 

And form new period here : 
Wilsonian art shall be in vogue. 

Hail, hail, rejuvenated France! 

[82] 



GOD GRANT PEACE 



*^GOD GRANT PEACE" 

February 14, 1917 — before America 
entered the War. 

What would Columbus have to say 
If he could see our world to-day, 

Engrossed in war and strife? 
He'd stare and blink 

And stop to think 

What caused this awful plight? 

Ambition's greed the English say: 

Invasion say the French; 
The Russians cry — 'tis fear of us 

That placed them in the trench. 
The Kaiser speaks and tells at last 

His reason for the fray. 
The Prince (my friend) was murdered 
by the Serbs 

Vengeance I sought without delay. 
If I had let this murder pass 

And unmolested go, 

[83] 



GOD GRANT PEACE 



No crown in Europe safe would be 

From Russian Bear — our foe. 
Give us a chance of ''honor peace" 

Let us keep what has been ours, 
Indemnity we'll surely pay 

To all the sovereign powers. 
Enough of manly blood's been shed 

In air, by land, on sea. 
God grant a UNIVERSAL PEACE 

As speedily as can be. 

Columbus solemnly heard them all 
Then blinked and thought again 

America will help you out — 

And even far off Spain 
To gain this end — and end this strife 

Which is sapping all your strength, 
Each one should mirror his own faults 

And arbitrate at length. 
A ''World's Arbitration Court" 

Is what you need to-day. 
To right the wrongs, unprejudiced 

By power, or greed, or prey. 

[84] 



GOD GRANT PEACE 



This ''Court'' shall then consist I say 

Of some from every nation 
Selected by the people 

By unanimous acclamation. 
The rights and wrongs shall be discussed 

And in the balance weighed, 
The majority shall then arrange — 

Decide — and be obeyed. 



[85] 



TO THE TWENTY-SEVENTH 



TO THE "TWENTY-SEVENTH" 

Marching to martial sound 

In flower-strewn path 
Loudly cheered by one and all 

Swords now in sheath. 

Snatched from the jaws of Hell 
Hurled from War's grim abyss 

Into their sweethearts' arms 

To be loved, fondled and kissed. 

After months of weary toil 
Hardships and dangers many 

Homeward they come — ''dear boys" 
Help them to earn their penny. 

Arches and celebrations 

And welcoming sound 
Are good for time being 

But work must be found. 

For the lads who released 

Their manly positions 
To sail far away 

Under trying conditions 

[86] 



TO THE TWENTY-SEVENTH 



Using all deadly implements 

At War's command 
To achieve glorious victory 

Yea, freedom for land. 

Forget not for a moment 

That their all must be fed 
Give work to the ''boys!" 

They must earn daily bread. 

'Tho whistles may blow 

And bells be oft ringing 
'Tis work that they want 

To that thought they are clinging. 

Only in labor can hardships be forgotten 

Bury ghosts of the past — by all Hell begotten. 



[87 1 



DE COLORED BOY'S RETURN 



DE COLOR'D BOY'S RETURN. 

De colored boys am home agin 

From far away *'la France." 
Der mas and gals so happy am 

Dat dey could sing and dance. 

Dey's waitin on de cabin porch 
To wave de stars and stripes 

And shake de hands so hard and brown 
And feed dem what dey likes. 

Ole mammy knows jist how dey come 

To win against de Huns. 
Dey jist got skeer'd when nigs dey seed 

A'comin wid de guns. 

Eyes a'gleamin, teeth a'settin, 

Woolly hair on end. 
Ole Nick am hyar wid all his hosts 

"Kamerad!" Hebben defend! 



[88] 



DE COLORED BOY'S RETURN 



Fse had good times in dis here life 
But de finest of dem all 

Was de day on which dat officer 
Was dis nigger's ''carry-all." 

To see dat Hun a walkin dar 
And me up on dat horse 

I almost saw de white man black. 
And dis big black nigger boss! 



[89] 



THE RAGGEDEST MAN IN MONTENEGRO 



THE RAGGEDEST MAN IN 
MONTENEGRO 

Before the war I was well clothed and shod 

Living as others did 
Loving my country and all it possessed, 

Serving as I was bid. 

Then came the days of terror and strife, 

Like none I had ever seen. 
The Austrians came and held our land 

For four long years, I ween. 

I could not bear the sight of them all. 

So I hied me to mountains grim; 
I found a cave hewn into the stone. 

All there was calm and serene. 

I lived in this cave for all those years 
Subsisting on what I could find, 

Roots and herbs, small birds and the like : 
Providence to me was kind. 



[90] 




Before the war I was well clothed and shod 
Living as others did. 



THE RAGGEDEST MAN IN MONTENEGRO 

My clothes grew tattered, my feet were bare, 

And yet I waited and waited 
For the day to come when I could return 

With my spirits animated. 

My goat as companion served me well; 

Her warmth and her milk were fine, 
Her clear, liquid eyes would pitiful seem 

As they oft times gazed into mine. 

At last one day, I wandered away 

And into Padgoritza came. 
Colonel Fairclough chanced the Market to pass 

And earnestly inquired my name. 

The American Red Cross kindly succored me 

And clothed and fed me well. 
Fm happy and sound in body and mind, 

Of my future, who can tell? 



[91] 



AN IDEAL TOUR 



GOOD-BYE 



GOOD-BYE 

August 24, 191 7. 

We're steaming away to Boston 

By the "outside'' line to-day. 
The harbor looks very active; 

There're hundreds of boats in the bay. 

The freighters are loaded with food-stuflfs; 

The smoke-stacks are spitting their steam; 
The transports are crowded with human souls. 

What is it that they dream ? 

Mother, I'm leaving so early 

I've hardly time for ''good-bye" 
Sister, I love you dearly. 

Promise me not to cry. 

Think of your hero brother 

In a land beyond the sea. 
And hope and pray that God may grant 

A famous victory. 

[95] 



GOOD-BYE 



Sweetheart, the parting's hardest 

I see your tears spring fast. 
Be brave little girl; keep your heart for me 

As long as the war does last, 

And when the dream is over 

And all these horrors gone. 
We'll slowly walk to the altar : 

You'll be my very own. 



[96] 



NORTH SHORE MASSACHUSETTS 



NORTH SHORE, MASSACHUSETTS 

August 25, 1917. 

We're motoring out of Boston 
To the beautiful north shore. 

We pass the old Colonial homes 
And think of the days of yore 

When our pilgrim fathers landed here 

And tried to make a home 
In a strange and far off country 

From it no more to roam. 

Old Salem holds us spell-bound 

With her witch-house and her fables, 
While we find unbounded interest 

In the House of the Seven Gables. 
The kitchen quaint, utensils queer 

Compared to those of our day, 
The secret stair, the antiques rare 

And then, the hidden passageway. 

Desks, secret drawers in counting house ; 

The Hathaway home unique 
And model boats which sailors made — 

A shell closet complete. 

[97] 



NORTH SHORE MASSACHUSETTS 

The old town hall, the meeting house 

And that of Mr. Story, 
A sculptor and a poet fine 

His praise is sung in glory. 

Through Beverly and Magnolia 
Where beautiful homes abound, 

To dear, old fashioned Gloucester 
With fisher- folk around. 

The rock-bound coast most picturesque ; 

The spray dashed to and fro 
Shows nature's wondrous handiwork — 

To Essex now we go 

A long fine stretch of roadway 

Constructed here by man 
While bounteous nature's many gifts 

Are seen on every hand. 

The trees, the shrubs, the flowers fair. 

The tiny chalets high 
Upon the grey and rugged rocks. 

The orchards are hard by. 

[98] 



NORTH SHORE MASSACHUSETTS 

Golden rod, golden rod 

With your stalks so high in air, 
Every field a floral carpet 

Corn is ripening everywhere. 

To Salisbury then, with Coney Island swings 

And roller coasters 
The bunting flies, the crowd is gay 

With usual side show boosters. 

To coast again we come 

And smoothly wend our way 
Across the sand, along the shore 

To the border of the bay. 

Thousands of bathers fill the sand 

'Tis paradise for children 
With shovels small they dig and play 

There're sea shells by the million. 



[99] 



POLAND SPRINGS 



THE WENTWORTH— Portsmouth, N. H. 

August 26, 1917. 

The conferees came — the conference met 
And peace was declared just then. 

Why can't we arrange another meet 
And do the same thing again? 



POLAND SPRINGS 

August 2y, 1917. 

Let us drink, let us drink of the water 
Which flows so clear from the ground 

It heals with its purity and sweetness 
In the world its equal isn't found. 

Let us drink, let us drink of the water 

Which God has given to us all. 
We stand beside the brink and bless it while we 
think 
That the benefits derived therefrom are 
magical. 

[100] 



THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAINS 



PROFILE HOUSE— White Mountains. 

August 28, 1917. 

^THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAINS" 
Old man on high, twixt earth and sky 

What see' St thou, I would ask? 
I see the sun ere day's begun 

And night ere dusk is past. 
I try to guard my children all 

From evil speech and deed. 
I love you all, to thee I call 

Be kind to every creed, 
For God has given the same blue heaven 

To each and every one. 
He loves both man and bird and beast 

Be sure His will he done! 



[lOl] 



LAKE SUNAPEE 



LAKE SUNAPEE 

August 29, 191 7. 

Placid lake in the New Hampshire hills 

Surrounded by verdure green. 
Thy back-ground silhouetted against the sky. 

Thy waters flow on in a dream. 
The sportsman's paradise art thou, 

And many's the nook for the lover, I ween. 
Thy sunsets and moonlights the artist's delight 

With golden and silvery sheen. 



[102] 



A FISHING TRIP DEFERRED BY RAIN 



^A FISHING TRIP DEFERRED BY RAIN" 

We would this morn a fishing go 

The boat was there — the captain too 
To guide us where the fishes bite. 

The reels, the rods, the lines quite white 
With varied bait and hopes pitched high. 

The rain came down from out the sky. 
Our hopes are blasted — sport is past ; 

The guide remarks ''all day 'twill last!" 

Should disappointment cause us woe? 

No, life's too short to sorrow so. 
We'll hope for better luck to-morrow 

And be too wise to trouble borrow. 



[103] 



GREEN MOUNTAINS 



"GREEN MOUNTAINS" 

August 31, 1917. 

Green, as thy name implies 

Covered with verdure fair 
Flowers adorning thy roads 

Orchards with fruit trees rare. 

Winding rivers along thy way, 

Shrubs o'er hanging thy waters clear 
Carpeted knolls and wooded walks 

Bring us to nature's heart quite near. 

Cattle so peacefully grazing nigh 
Wondrous scenes to feast the eye. 

Green wooded hills for miles around 
Such wonderland is seldom found. 

The corn now ripening in the field 
Some great good harvest will it yield. 

Near berries red and dark green fern 
The woodman's hut we now discern. 

[104] 



GREEN MOUNTAINS 



We slowly pass the trout stream by 
And wish our angling rod were nigh. 

The fine old trees in forest dense 
And deep ravines thrill every sense. 

The sun is sinking in the west, 
The evening haze comes on; 

The shadows fall upon the hills, 
Night throws her curtain down. 



[105] 



AFTER RAIN— SUNSHINE 



AFTER RAIN — SUNSHINE 

September i, 1917. 
The hills are covered with mist; 

The valleys are full of rain, 
Be cheerful, quite before the night 

The sun will shine again. 

The rain gives moisture to the earth, 

It feeds each blade of grass. 
Be cheerful — keep a happy heart 

The rainy days will pass. 

The little birds have gone to rest 

Beneath the sheltered bow. 
They happy and contented are 

They think not of just now. 

But cosily they sit and chirp 
They chirp and seem to say. 

We're happy while we sit and rest, 
We'll sing another day. 

The clouds break quickly, showing e'en 
Their white and silvery lining. 

The trees now wave their grateful bows 
Behold the sun is shining! 

[106] 



THE MOHAWK TRAIL 



THE MOHAWK TRAIL 

In days long past 

When Indians passed this way 
They followed trail 

From dawn 'till break of day 
We follow in our auto cars 

In our most modern style 
While many beauties now unfold 

To pleasantly our time beguile. 
We come into the forest 

With trees so dense and green 
We think we see a red skin 

Peer slyly from between 
The shrubs — our purpose to discern 

And then dart back and slink away 
While passions in him burn, 

How can he love the white man 
Who took his land away 

And pushed him back far westward 
Forever there to stay? 

'Tis now we climb and mount 



[107] 



THE MOHAWK TRAIL 



Unto a dizzy height. 

And gaze across the broad expanse 
At panorama bright. 

A valley of the Tyrol seen 
With all its beauties clear, 

The fertile land, the winding roads 
And tiny chalets dear. 

From heights we gaze on canyons deep 
With rocky beds and rushing streams : 

The Deerfield winds now in and out 
And so unending seems. 



[io8] 



CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEY 



CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEY 

Beside the Connecticut River 

Which turns and winds along 
Tobacco fields now greet our eyes 

With leaves both large and strong. 

Field after field of tobacco 

With leaves so broad and green, 
Stems so high and hardy 

With pink flower tops just seen. 

Dear little trumpet flower 

With petals five like a star, 
You wither and die, but the next year's seed 

Is contained in your tiny jar. 

Warehouses filled with your contents 

Hanging in bunches to dry. 
Waiting to go to the factory 

From which all the world will buy. 

This wonderful weed, with aroma fine 

The world's greatest luxury after they dine. 

[109] 



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